Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of the 5-HT Receptor.

It is well-documented that serotonin (5-HT) exerts its pharmacological effects through a series of 5-HT receptors. The most recently identified member of this family, 5-HT, was first identified in 1993. Over the course of the last 25 years, this receptor has been the subject of intense investigation, and it has been demonstrated that 5-HT plays an important role in a wide range of pharmacological processes. As a result of these findings, modulation of 5-HT activity has been the focus of numerous drug discovery and development programs. This review provides an overview of the roles of 5-HT in normal physiology and the therapeutic potential of this interesting drug target.